What would you do with an additional $2,500, $5,000, or even $10,000 for flight training? But wait, there’s more! How about $500 worth of flight training with Kings Schools and a brand-new Bose A20 headset from Bose Aviation? Yes! That’s right. Over the last four years, I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) has transformed the way scholarships are secured, administered, and awarded by directly involving the very industry affected by the professional pilot pipeline shortage and the gender gap. Some of the biggest names in aviation participate with I Hart Flying and remain partners today. Notably, King Schools, Bose Aviation, Sheltair Aviation, Immaculate Flight, Go Rentals, Titan Aviation Fuels, Power Tow, JSSI, Aviators Hot Line, Boeing Business Jets, Phillips 66 Aviation and AOPA.

Several weeks shy of EAA AirVenture 2021 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, IHFF worked behind the scenes on a new themed scholarship capturing its largest opportunity yet! With industry magnet, Phillips 66® Aviation, “Fueling Flight with Harts of Might” launched on August 2. This scholarship opportunity, which uses the power of social media, brings more than $30,000 worth of cash awards, pilot supplies, training packages, and for the first time ever, support to attend one of the largest events in business aviation in the world. It’s expected to assist multiple scholars. Winners will be announced at the end of September.

Photo by David Tulis

“We’ve experienced four years of unparalleled success with our themed scholarships. They benefit the very industry and partners impacted by talent shortages, gender imbalances and goals for more sustainable diversity and inclusion initiatives,” shared Rachelle Spector, founder of I Hart Flying. “Phillips 66 Aviation is no stranger to our cause. They stepped up several years back to support Hart scholars, and this time advanced their financial investment to get more women in flight. We are so grateful for their loyalty.”

With this opportunity, IHFF will have awarded more than $100,000 in scholarship funding, training packages, pilot supplies and flight training equipment since 2017. A total of 17 women of all ages were awarded Hart scholarships thanks to the support of various industry leaders, donors, and partners.

“After watching the progress of our 17 scholars these last four years, we’re humbled to run an organization that’s impacting the lives of women of all ages to see their dreams take flight,” Spector added. “Taking it a step further and providing a means for our scholars to attend NBAA BACE in Las Vegas, October 12-14 is our way to ensure they not only network and engage with the industry, but they will also meet our partners face to face. We look forward to having a presence at this event, with our scholars and partners, a first for the foundation.”

I Hart Flying Foundation’s open application ends August 29. Scholarships will be reviewed September 3-17. The selection process is decided by a group of diverse seasoned professionals across the nonprofit and aviation industries. Each committee member has experience in the fair selection and awarding of merit-based scholarships. All personal and demographic information is fully redacted from the initial review, as this opportunity is focused and graded solely on merit.

You can join and support Hart Scholars too! The organization, and its loyal partners, encourage others to help where they can. No gift is too small, every level of donation makes a difference. If interested in showing your support, being involved, email: lyndse@ihartflying.org

More information on I Hart Flying’s scholarship application, selection process and the scholarship committee can be found by visiting their website, ihartflying.org. Follow and engage with @ihartflying, @Phillips66Aviation and IHFF’s partners on Instagram and Facebook. 

Fueling Flight with Harts of Might Launch Video: https://youtu.be/DAAfsoTowWs

About I Hart Flying Foundation:
I Hart Flying is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded by Rachelle - a talented pilot, fascinating speaker, social media personality and entrepreneur who excels at delivering impact, inspiration and influence for current and future female pilots. I Hart Flying’s mission is to assist women of all ages in achieving their aviation goals through the awarding of flight training scholarships. They believe that helping women achieve their pilot's license and advance ratings will provide a positive way to increase the number of women aviators.

For more information about I Hart Flying, visit iHartFlying.org.